Can anyone help me.  My Westie is now 5 months old and has just started to "mount" his bedding, cushions etc.  Is he getting sexually active or is he just playing, I don't intend to breed from him so don't know whether or not to get him castrated (seems a bit harsh though).  Anyone got any ideas on how to stop him, its a bit of a nightmare when my grandchildren are here and they want to know what hes doing !!!!!!!!!  Would be grateful for some advise.  Regards Jenny

Maybe if he is just doing it when you have your grandchildren it's excitement at seeing them. Westies are such happy wee things.

Jean

It's probably niether - it's common behaviour in both male and female dogs, and castration (or speying in a bitch) won't always stop it.  The best measures to take are a) distraction - the second you see him 'preparing an assault' - attract his attention with a favourite toy or treat, ask for a sit if he knows the command, and give him the reward, fuss and play with him for a second or two, and you'll probably find he's forgotten what he was going to do.  The less chance he gets to do it the less chance there is that he will find out it has its rewards ;) b) if he's been sneaky and is already 'at it' when you find him, don't pay any attention as that in itself is rewarding the behaviour. c) Praise him for NOT doing it, when he's calm, or playing nicely make sure that is more rewarding to him than the stuff you don't want him doing.....

HTH

so it's normal for a girl to do it to ? i was just about to post cos my 5 month old female jack russell just humped (sorry wanted a better word) a fluffy dumbell toy of hers and i was panicking !
sarah